What is Art Basel Miami Beach?

Art Basel Miami Beach is the most prominent contemporary art show in the Americas. The yearly four-day Miami event highlights art, culture and social events. In 2012, art lovers headed down to South Beach from December 6 through 9 to experience this 11th annual cultural phenomenon and peruse the countless galleries and exhibits filled with one-of-a-kind pieces. Originally started in 1970 in Basel, Switzerland, by local gallery owners, the art fair moved stateside in 2002 and has since become a must-see event for art lovers. The epicenter of Art Basel is the massive Miami Beach Convention Center, where the main exhibition takes place. You’ll find more than 250 top galleries from 31 countries showcasing modern art for sale, ranging from early 20th-century works to cutting-edge contemporary art.